Addressing problems and resolving disputes

If you have concerns about a training contract, or are concerned that an apprentice or trainee may not be meeting their obligations, our team can provide advice. To contact us:

Your Apprenticeship Network provider is also a good source of advice if you are having problems.

Disputes and dispute resolution

If you are unable to resolve an issue with an apprentice or trainee, you may be able to refer the matter to the VRQA's dispute resolution process. The most common dispute referred to us involves an employer and apprentice not agreeing to cancel their training contract.

The VRQA may investigate disputes raised via an authorised officer workplace visit and, or a formal meeting between the parties to the training contract (called a 'proceeding'). After making enquiries, a VRQA Delegate can make decisions to resolve the dispute, such as ordering the parties back to work or cancelling the training contract.

You can negotiate a resolution to the dispute outside the formal dispute resolution process at any time.

To read our dispute resolution policy and procedures, see:

Please note that the VRQA is not able to investigate disputes about issues outside its jurisdiction. For example, we cannot investigate a dispute about whether money is owed between an employer and an apprentice or trainee. If an issues falls outside our jurisdiction, we will refer people to the relevant agency.

For issues relating to pay and conditions, including money owed between the parties to a training contract, see:

For issues relating to occupational health and safety, bullying, harassment or exploitation, see:

  • WorkSafe
  • or call WorkSafe (03) 9641 1444 or 1800 136 089 (toll free)

Complaints about employers

The VRQA also investigates complaints about employers. For more information about our complaints management processes, see: